Tobacco Badalassi Hooch Hauler Fit pic & Half Belt sizing

[matchankh]

Hi everyone,

Just received my first Aero jacket few weeks ago. The result is quite good and I am happy with how it fits. The badalassi leather is beautiful and doesn’t require a break in at all. Pics are as follows:

However I found out that the difference between the final product and the measurements I required initially can be pretty big. Some of the differences actually worked in my favor but some doesn’t.

The measurement I spec’ed:

back length 23.5
Sleeve length 23.75
Extra waist taper 1.5 across > Target measurement 18.5

Jacket I got:

Back Length 23
Sleeve Length 23-23.25
Hem 19

The measurements are just about within the half inch tolerance that aero stated. The shorter back length is actually nice, 23.5 might be too long. The Hem has a little room and comfortable but if it was 18.5 I might not need to use the strap on the side to tighten the waist.
The biggest issue is the sleeve length, when the jacket is out of the box it felt alright but after the creases formed after wearing it for a few days I felt it was short. So I soaked the sleeves in water for around half an hour, slid 2 large half filled water bottles down the 2 sleeves and hung the jacket to dry hanging on a padded hanger. It worked and I think it gave me about half an inch. Some vertical graining appeared because of the stretching but it doesn’t bother me.

Initially the p2p measured 21.6 and after a few weeks it stretched to around 22.25. I have a chest around 40 (with T shirt on). I feel I wouldn’t call it a snug fit but I don’t think it looks sloppy. I can layer and the jacket is very comfortable with minimal restriction.

So now I’m planning to order another half belt in black CXL Steerhide and I’m not 100% sure which one I should go for. I want the half belt to be a slim fit. Can accommodate light layering if needed (Shirt + T shirt underneath).

I asked Holly for measurements for the premier range half belt in 40, regular 1930 half belt in 38 and 40. These are the measurements I got.


Premier HB 40”


Pit to Pit 21.5"

Shoulders 17.5-18"

1930s 38”


Pit to Pit 21"

Shoulders 17.75

1930s 40”


Pit to Pit 22-22.5"

Shoulders 18.25"

Out of all three I’m thinking of going for the premier half belt in 40. 21.5 p2p should be right for me. Probably a little on the snug side with light layer but might relax after some wear. But I’m not sure if it would be too much given the CXL steer is a bit thicker than badalassi.

I would ask for the waist taper to be around the same. A target of 18.5 should be about right. Half an inch either way I should be able to live with.

For the back length Im thinking of maybe 22.25-22.5. Given there is a 1.5 front drop on half belt. The hooch hauler has a flat hem and I don’t want it to be any shorter on the front. Wouldn’t mind the front to be half an inch longer too I guess?

The sleeve length I would need to think about. The shoulder of the premier is about half an inch shorter than the hooch hauler and I spec’ed the hooch hauler too short at 23.75 and I have to stretch it out. So maybe this time I should go for 24.25 or even 24.5?

Any input and advice are appreciated regarding the fit on the hooch hauler and the upcoming half belt.

Have a good day everyone!

 

[ton312]

Wow that Hooch Hauler is just sublimely beautiful!!! Perfect fit. If the measurements weren’t quite as you spec’d, it most certainly worked out in your favor. Superb!

 

[Brandrea33]

That’s a beautiful jacket and fit.

I honestly thought you we’re going to say the sleeves are too long. I think it’s perfect. Enjoy it!

 

[Sloan1874]

The sleeves and length look fine - I think sometimes the Lounge encourages over-long sleeves, these, however, are absolutely on the nail. If you stretched them to get there, then you did a great job. The back vent is open, though. Is it like that all the time or is that down to how you're standing, because that might suggest the shoulders are a bit tight.

 

[matchankh]

Wow that Hooch Hauler is just sublimely beautiful!!! Perfect fit. If the measurements weren’t quite as you spec’d, it most certainly worked out in your favor. Superb!

Thanks very much! Wouldn’t be able to do it without the knowledge and nice people this forum provides.

To be fair maybe half an inch here and there really doesn’t matter. It’s just the ocd inside of me that worries about a quarter of an inch when placing orders. It’s part of the fun though I think.

That’s a beautiful jacket and fit.

I honestly thought you we’re going to say the sleeves are too long. I think it’s perfect. Enjoy it!

The pictures were taken after I soak the sleeves and stretched it. It is perfect now but was a scary day waiting for the sleeves to dry lol

 

[matchankh]

The sleeves and length look fine. The back vent is open, though. Is it like that all the time or is that down to how you're standing, because that might suggest the shoulders are a bit tight.

Actually the vent was open already when I first received the jacket. The jacket was sent from Aero to Hong Kong and I had my family ship the jacket from Hong Kong to Shanghai to avoid import tax. They didn’t use a box while sending it and maybe the jacket was folded the wrong way during transport.

I might try to wet the vent and place something on it overnight to fix it.

 

[torfjord]

Fantastic fit!

 

[jonbuilder]

I say that jacket fits you very well congratulations

 

[Marc mndt]

The back vent is open, though. Is it like that all the time or is that down to how you're standing, because that might suggest the shoulders are a bit tight.

I don't think the open vent is caused by the shoulders being too narrow. I think it's a ptp 'thing' in combination with stiff leather. Personally I don't mind the open vent though, I actually like how it looks.

 

[hjv2]

Excellent fit! Nice to see the sizing turned out great, I remember you stressing about it. This further confirms my choice to go with size 42 which is still in the production queue, so thanks for sharing the info.

How do you find the mobility? Does the back vent provide any ease when reaching forward or is it just for aesthetics?

I like how the pattern is slim but still broad shouldered. The shoulders fall nicely, no signs of the infamous neck line creasing.

 

[matchankh]

Excellent fit! Nice to see the sizing turned out great, I remember you stressing about it. This further confirms my choice to go with size 42 which is still in the production queue, so thanks for sharing the info.

How do you find the mobility? Does the back vent provide any ease when reaching forward or is it just for aesthetics?

I like how the pattern is slim but still broad shouldered. The shoulders fall nicely, no signs of the infamous neck line creasing.

Excellent fit! Nice to see the sizing turned out great, I remember you stressing about it. This further confirms my choice to go with size 42 which is still in the production queue, so thanks for sharing the info.

How do you find the mobility? Does the back vent provide any ease when reaching forward or is it just for aesthetics?

I like how the pattern is slim but still broad shouldered. The shoulders fall nicely, no signs of the infamous neck line creasing.

Thanks very much! I have not had anything with action back etc to compare with but as far as I can tell the mobility is excellent. I don’t think the vent offers much. Probably it’s just for aesthetic. It is the best jacket I own in terms of having room to layer comfortably but still looks nice and fitting with just a T shirt.
The sleeves and cuff opening could be a tad slimmer with just wearing a T shirt but with layer its perfect.

 

[Bfd70]

Fit is perfect. Sleeves are just the way I like them. Graining is beautiful. I’d skip ordering another jacket and make that your signature piece. You’ve won. Anything else will be a let down. Post an update pic in 5 years.

 

[matchankh]

Fit is perfect. Sleeves are just the way I like them. Graining is beautiful. I’d skip ordering another jacket and make that your signature piece. You’ve won. Anything else will be a let down. Post an update pic in 5 years.

hahaha I need another grail black jacket though or else my black boots will have no use. And I will have to experience the aero signature CXL. I will try to stop I promise

 

[marker2037]

That jacket is a perfect fit and tobacco badalassi is a dream leather. I don't think you could ask for anything better. I also think the sleeves are just about right, possibly even on the border of being too long. I wouldn't order a longer sleeve as you don't want it to look like you're wearing your dad's hand me down.

 

[matchankh]

That jacket is a perfect fit and tobacco badalassi is a dream leather. I don't think you could ask for anything better. I also think the sleeves are just about right, possibly even on the border of being too long. I wouldn't order a longer sleeve as you don't want it to look like you're wearing your dad's hand me down.

Thanks for the kind words! Yes the sleeve is perfect now but the pictures are after I stretched them out. They gained about half an inch so probably I will just add that back to my next order.

 

[handymike]

I would continue the winning streak by ordering the black Badalassi.

 

[marker2037]

Thanks for the kind words! Yes the sleeve is perfect now but the pictures are after I stretched them out. They gained about half an inch so probably I will just add that back to my next order.

The reason sleeves tunnel or crease as much as yours is that they were too long to begin with, forcing them up. If you go for longer sleeves they are only going to be tunneled and creased even more and yours are already creased all the way up to the shoulder.

I'd say you're already on the limit, but it's your call of course.

 

[matchankh]

I would continue the winning streak by ordering the black Badalassi.

Yes it seems the black badalssi is beautiful but I already have 2 badalassi jackets though. Is the iconic CXL not worth at least trying out? The grainy steerhide CXL looks pretty good in picture.

The reason sleeves tunnel or crease as much as yours is that they were too long to begin with, forcing them up. If you go for longer sleeves they are only going to be tunneled and creased even more and yours are already creased all the way up to the shoulder.

I'd say you're already on the limit, but it's your call of course.

Thanks for the advice! I see I will for sure take it into consideration. It won’t be a few months until the new one goes into production anyway so I’ll have time.

 

[jonesy86]

hahaha I need another grail black jacket though or else my black boots will have no use. And I will have to experience the aero signature CXL. I will try to stop I promise

Yeah, me too. I can stop, no problem.
Great jacket and fit!

 

[Canuck Panda]

Great fit great jacket.

The slimmer pattern works better with the Badalassi leather.

Next stop, CXL!